Master the Art of Crispy Buffalo Chicken Empanadas: A Comprehensive Guide

Adding a twist to your traditional empanadas, this article will guide you through the delicious process of making crispy buffalo chicken empanadas. By following these detailed steps, you'll create a mouthwatering treat for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will help you achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients and Preparation

To start, let's gather all the necessary ingredients for this recipe:

Chicken breasts Oil Salt and pepper for seasoning Buffalo sauce Butter Worcestershire sauce Mozzarella cheese Empanada dough (prepared from a recipe found online) Black pepper, celery salt, cayenne pepper Blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken. Start by rubbing the chicken breasts with oil and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until thoroughly cooked. If you have a sous vide cooker, this is the perfect time to use it. Season the chicken breasts and cook them at 145 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour in a vacuum-sealed bag.

Step 2: Cool and Dice the Chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool down. Then, dice the chicken into small, manageable pieces. Place the diced chicken in a strainer over a bowl and refrigerate overnight to drain any excess liquid.

Preparing the Buffalo Sauce

Step 3: Heat Buffalo Sauce. In a pot, heat up some buffalo sauce. Add butter and a little bit of Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is well combined. Do not let the sauce come to a boil as boiling can alter its texture and taste.

Step 4: Coating the Chicken. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and toss to ensure an even coating. Place the coated chicken in a strainer over a bowl and refrigerate overnight to help the flavors meld together.

Final Preparation and Baking

Step 5: Seasoning the Chicken. The next day, place the chicken in a dry bowl. Ensure that there is no liquid in the bottom of the bowl from the previous night's resting. Toss the chicken with black pepper, celery salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix in grated mozzarella cheese and set it aside.

Step 6: Prepare and Assemble the Empanadas. Mixing a batch of empanada dough is a must, and you can find many recipes online. Roll out the dough, fill it with the buffalo chicken filling, seal the edges, brush with beaten egg, and bake until golden brown.

Step 7: Baking the Empanadas. Bake the empanadas in a preheated oven until they are well-done and lightly crispy on the outside. Ensure that they are thoroughly cooked to avoid any raw chicken lingering in the filling.

Serving Suggestions

What truly makes these empanadas delightful is the accompanying sauce and toppings. Serve your crispy buffalo chicken empanadas with a side of blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. Enjoy them as a snack or as part of a larger meal.

Tips for Crispy Empanadas

For extra crispy empanadas, consider baking them in a wood-burning oven. However, if you don't have access to one, using a regular oven will still yield excellent results. Additionally, make sure the filling is properly seasoned and not too liquidy to ensure a crispy exterior.

By carefully following these steps and tips, you can achieve the perfect combination of flavors and texture that is the hallmark of crispy buffalo chicken empanadas. Try them out today and impress your family and friends with this delectable treat!